The Mayor of London has agreed to offer Redbridge residents the same discount as host boroughs for using facilities at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Residents living within the six host boroughs and eligible for a concessionary discount at venues inside the Olympic Park can purchase an annual Pay and Play card for £10 as opposed to £25 for people outside of these boroughs.

Despite the London Borough of Redbridge not being listed as a host borough, Boris Johnson has agreed to other the concessionary rate after Conservative councillor Keith Prince wrote to the London Mayor in May.

Prior to his recent resignation as leader of the Conservative party, Mr Prince called on Mr Johnson for all London Boroughs to be entitled to the discount, and not just Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest, Barking & Dagenham, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.      

He said: "All of the London boroughs have paid towards the Olympic Park so why are only the host boroughs going to get the discount?

"It was supposed to be the London Olympics and many boroughs would agree they have not benefited. Newham has scoffed up most of the benefits, especially housing and accommodation."

As part of the Pay and Play scheme, members will pay 50p less during peak swimming times at the Aquatic Centre, and only £2 during off peak as opposed to £3.50 for non-members.  

To use the gym at the Copper Box arena under the scheme it will cost £6 during peak time and £3 for an off peak session.

The concessionary Pay and Play scheme has no bearing on the Lee Valley VeloPark and Hockey and Tennis Centre, but if you are aged over 60, disabled, a full-time student or in receipt of benefits, you will receive a 25 per cent discount off the full price.

In a letter sent by Mr Johnson to the Barkingside councillor, it read: "The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and its predecessor have worked particularly close with the six Olympic host boroughs on this agenda, but I would obviously want to see these benefits occurring to residents in Redbridge as well.

"Therefore, I have asked the LLDC to amend the approach on concessionary membership cost for venue users with Greenwich Leisure Limited so that everyone benefits from the lower rate."